Wide Teams

Podcast #38: Vassilis Rizopoulos of Zühlke

Jun 27, 12 • In Featured, Interviews, Podcast

Vassilis Rizopoulos, of Zühlke, talks about what it is like to handle equipment that can be remotely operated, working within a company’s IT limitations, and the importance of setting boundaries when working from home. Show Notes: Twitter: @arcandros Google+ EuRuKo Zühlke 01:20 – Vassilis’ history and background 05:30 – Embedded hardware development 08:49 – Structure of Vasillis’ remote teams 11:17 – Iteration meetings 14:36 – Daily stand-ups 15:24 – Interaction with co-workers 18:30 – Information radiators 22:41 – Working with IT limitations 26:00 – Advice for working remotely 27:00 – Positives and negatives of working remotely

Podcast #37: Justin Searls of Test Double

Jun 20, 12 • In Featured, Interviews, Podcast

In this episode, Justin Searls of Test Double, shares his experiences – both good and bad, in working with distributed teams, how to turn the tides when things are going noticably sour within a project, and the importance of forming habits that stick. Show Notes: Test Double Twitter: @searls Beautiful Front End Code Conference 01:14 – Justin’s history and background with remote work 01:53 – Bad experiences with distributed teams 05:30 – Turning the tide 07:50 – Good experiences with distributed teams 11:25 – Normalization 13:33 – Communication cost is significantly higher within distributed teams 16:06 – Warning signs that the cost of communication is becoming too expensive 19:50 – Advice for dispersed teams

Podcast #36: Ben Johnson of Merrill Corporation

Jun 13, 12 • In Featured, Interviews, Podcast

In this episode, Ben Johnson of Merrill Corporation talks about evolving into remote work, why working in an office is bad for focus and productivity, and why putting your face out on the Internet is a good thing. Show Notes: Twitter: @deafgreatdane Merrill Corporation Merrill DataSite Pragmatic Geek 01:10 – Ben’s introductory and background 01:37 – Merrill Corporation 02:20 – Evolving into remote work 03:12 – Tools 05:19 – Day to day operation 07:11 – Advantages of working remotely 10:41 – Remaining in touch with your team 12:45 – Helpful management techniques 13:53 – Standardized tools are important 16:45 – Advice for others working remotely

Podcast #35: Harvey Losin

Jun 6, 12 • In Featured, Interviews, Podcast

Wide Teams field correspondent Keith Bennett interviews Harvey Losin, talking about outsourcing and the challenges that come with it; working with people in different time zones and cultures; and why knowing business is more valuable than any technical tool you can offer. Show Notes: 02:30 – Harvey’s background and information 04:40 – Working with time zones 05:22 – Communication issues 07:00 – Assignments 09:35 – Working with time zones 11:00 – Tools 12:30 – Providers should adjust to their clients 13:15 – Outsourcing challenges 15:41 – How Harvey got his start 19:35 – Keep a balance of local and overseas clients 20:43 – Never be complacent with technology 25:40 – Studying business 27:25 – Dealing with clients from a different culture 35:00 – Advice